This month (October 2006) we talk to Judy Posner.

Judy teaches meditation classes weekly in Venice. She is also enrolled on the TTP (Teacher Training Program).

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

It was after I had begun classes. I came to classes for the sole purpose of learning to meditate. As it turns out, Buddha’s wisdom was, and is a magnet for me.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

I found a little business card in coffee shop in Englewood – it said simply “www.MeditationinFlorida.org”. I visited the website and found out that a new meditation class was beginning in Venice in a couple of months. I wanted to learn how to meditate. I had read a lot of Deepak Chopra and was practicing that style of meditation, without much success. So I marked my calendar and I showed up for the Venice class. That was in 2001. I never dreamed I would one day be the teacher.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I was a little apprehensive as much as anyone would be coming into a new group of people. I wasn’t familiar with Buddhism at all; my mind was open and I wanted to learn.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

People were very friendly and welcoming. I was impressed by the large number of people in attendance. The teacher, Kathleen Singh, was completely inspiring to me. I was surprised that the beautiful teachings immediately touched my heart, like nothing I had ever heard before (in this life), and I got a sense that I was going to find “answers” in this group, and quite unexpectedly I experienced a deep sense of belonging – like I had come home.

What do you like best about coming here?

Buddha’s compassion and love embraces me; I have fallen in love with Dharma, and I often feel like I can’t get enough of it. Sangha family provides a safe and loving atmosphere. I savor this experience. I realize the rarity and beauty of this opportunity. Also, it’s a movement towards world peace.

How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?

Meditation is medication for the mind. It gets us to settle down and take a look at ourselves and our lives. Through practicing meditation we extract the very meaning of our life. Meditation facilitates inner peace and allows us to connect with our highest and best purpose, our Buddha nature.

How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?

One word comes to mind immediately - patience! Patience with myself, yes, but more importantly patience with others. By practicing patience, we become happier – it’s very simple. Think about the difference between a patient and impatient, angry mind when we are driving, for example? Which driver is happier? The one who feels kindly towards the other drivers, or the one who sees others as simply being in his way? Which is the more comfortable mind? We can apply this to every aspect of daily living.

What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?

Buddhism is a source of peace in this world; providing refuge and extracting meaning from chaos. Every living being experiencing inner peace is a cause for world peace.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

“Although living beings wish to be free from suffering,
They run straight towards the causes of suffering.
And although they wish for happiness,
Out of ignorance they destroy it like a foe .”
-Shantideva

What is your favorite Dharma movie?

There are many – it’s hard to pick one. Since my childhood, two movies have consistently inspired me – naturally, I didn’t always realize their Dharma aspects. Now, Voyager is a great example of the transformational power of love. Alice in Wonderland reminds me of Buddha’s words, “All phenomena are like dreams, like illusions, like reflections in a clear lake”.

What is you favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

Great Treasury of Merit – I am very moved by Offering to the Spiritual Guide. It’s a powerful and beautiful practice which brings immediate blessings to our minds. I am filled with boundless gratitude to have encountered Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in this life.

With which historical Buddhist practitioner do you most identify, and why?

Because of the profound nature of the teachings, I am humbled and I often identify with Lam Chung, unable to comprehend or remember anything; I’ll reach my spiritual goals only through Buddha’s kind blessings. I also identify with Drukku Shewo, legless and having fallen from a cliff and landed on a wild horse – I don’t want to get off this precious, rare and blessed ride on a beautiful spiritual path.

What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?

I am inspired by the idea that a Bodhisattva’s mind is a source of peace and happiness for all living beings.

What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?

Bestow a vast rain of blessings upon all living beings. I hope I can do that!